Hacker attack on Berlin administration: Konstantin von Notz speaks of a “data disaster”

After the hacker attack on the Berlin administration, Green Party deputy Konstantin von Notz spoke of a “real data meltdown” and made allegations against the state of Berlin and the federal government.

The attack appears to be “much more far-reaching than initially known,” von Notz told the Handelsblatt. "If it turns out that protective mechanisms were deliberately not adhered to and the urgently needed secret protection was not guaranteed, personnel consequences would also be unavoidable."

The Green politician emphasized that the published files apparently contained “numerous highly sensitive information,” including information on critical infrastructure and emergency plans.

It could be the most serious IT security incident known to date at the state level.

According to von Notz, the case also brings “the federal government’s massive failings into focus.” Despite repeated warnings, “known security gaps” have not been closed.

The financial consequences could be significant. »The latest case in Berlin will cost taxpayers millions. The federal government is directly responsible.”

In fact, the hack is one of the most consequential for Germany in recent years: The hacker group Rhysida posted large amounts of stolen data online on Friday after the Berlin Senate refused to pay a ransom worth millions.

The Press and Information Office of the State of Berlin said on Saturday that the data published by the hacker group was currently being evaluated at high speed.

An additional control unit has been set up in the Senate Chancellery to coordinate the viewing, checking and evaluation of the leaked data.

The Berlin State Criminal Police Office, the two Senate administrations, the state data protection authority, the state representative for information security in the state of Berlin and other security authorities are involved.

“The analysis of the data follows a risk-based prioritization,” writes the office.

"If, based on this prioritization, immediate findings arise that affect security-critical authorities or institutions, the Senate administrations will contact them immediately."

The state of Berlin is also receiving help from the federal government in the investigation into the attack.

The Federal Office for Information Security (BSI), the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA) and the Federal Office for the Protection of the Constitution (BfV) are involved, a spokesman for the Federal Ministry of the Interior said.

“All findings are compiled and shared in the Joint Cyber ​​Defense Center,” said the spokesman.

The Rhysida group, which is held responsible for the leak, is known to the security authorities and has been active since mid-2021.

"She is fundamentally considered criminal and financially motivated."